Harris speaks where Tillis works at NC Legislature

The Charlotte pastor planned Thursday to talk about the partial federal government shutdown and what his campaign called ``the need for real leadership in the White House and Senate.'' The event will occur in front of the Legislative Building, where Tillis is House speaker.

Tillis and Harris are the highest profile candidates so far in a GOP primary that's seven months away. The winner will take on Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan in November 2014.

Both Tillis and Harris have said they want to end or defund the new health care overhaul law, which congressional Republicans have tried to use as a bargaining chip in shutdown negotiations.